Yes, ICE officers do have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens—but not for immigration violations. Instead, they can arrest citizens who obstruct, assault, or interfere with their lawful duties.
Under federal law, any authorized officer (including ICE agents) may arrest a person without a warrant if:
- The offense is committed in the officer’s presence, or
- The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person has committed a felony under U.S. law2.
So, if a U.S. citizen physically blocks an ICE officer, refuses to comply with lawful orders, or otherwise impedes an arrest, they could be charged with obstruction of justice, assault on a federal officer, or related offenses.
This distinction is important: ICE cannot arrest U.S. citizens for immigration violations, but they can arrest them for criminal conduct that interferes with immigration enforcement.